BIF Brown Falcon

Brown Falcons have remarkably variable plumage. Some are extremely pale while others are so dark they can be mistaken for the much rarer Black Falcon. This beautiful specimen is on the paler side and the markings on it wings are particularly stunning.

I really like the blues and golds in this shot as well as the context shown by the blurred background and the reeds in the foreground. The photograph was taken recently at the Western Treatment Plant in Werribee as the falcon was flying along the edge of one of the many ponds.

Brown Falcons have a wide range of morphs, from very pale to very dark, which depend on region, age, gender and other reasons that aren’t yet fully understood. The markings on this bird’s upper wings are beautiful, while the dark tip to its sturdy bill looks like the lethal weapon it is.

All Brown Falcons have the double ‘teardrop’, which helps if you aren’t sure whether you’re looking at a Brown Falcon or a Nankeen Kestrel. Kestrels only have one ‘teardrop’.

Apologies for such a short post but just as I sat down to write (a couple of hours ago) my precious Golden Retriever ate the stalk of a raisin with a tiny bit of raisin still attached. As grapes, raisins and sultanas can cause irreversible kidney damage to some dogs I made an emergency dash to the vet. I adore my gorgeous Ruby and feel so bad that she had to put up with being given an emetic. She seems fine now, but I had a set of bloods done so we can check her kidneys again tomorrow.

The Ruby news is definitely not bird related so I’ll sign off and keep patting my dog.

Happy birding, Kim

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